Project Syndicate: London Climate Action Week 2025 ( videos links )

[Passages]

Session One

With household budgets strained, and a political backlash against climate action gaining steam in some countries, our panel considered whether business can maintain the momentum on ESG-related issues. Watch the session here.

During the discussion, Jonathan Hall highlighted data showing that consumers still want companies to take a stand on climate action. Erinch Sahan then warned that the focus on win-wins is impeding the deeper change that is needed in the corporate and investment worlds. Preeti Srivastav countered that there is a business case for transformative climate action, but making it will require firms to change how they calculate profit. Finally, Jonquil Hackenberg emphasized the importance of collaboration, as a few large-scale pilot projects can demonstrate the economies of scale that are essential to the necessary transition.


Session Two

Net-zero pledges abound, yet the process of phasing out fossil fuels, electrifying economies, and decarbonizing supply chains has barely begun in most countries. Our panel looked at which sectors are making the most progress, and what lessons others can learn from them. Watch the session here.

During the discussion, Andrew Martin revealed that just 10% of factories generate about 80% of the fashion industry’s emissions, noting that the challenge now is to leverage the data we have to turn the tide. Stientje van Veldhoven pointed out decarbonization is not a technical problem, a financing problem, a policy problem, or an innovation; it is all of them combined, and thus requires a systemic approach. Jodie Keane described how rising protectionism is contributing to a “green squeeze” of producers seeking to uphold sustainability commitments. And Seb Henbest emphasized the importance of price signals – which are shaped by policy – because “you can’t ask any private-sector organization to make a change that hits its profits.” Finally, Adair Turner, in his closing remarks, said what governments must do to get more sectors to the “tipping point” where green technologies are cheaper than traditional ones.

Session Three

With COP30 fast approaching, panelists discussed how Europe can build a shared strategy for global climate leadership and rebuild trust with the Global South. Watch the session here.

https://mailchi.mp/project-syndicate/highlights-from-our-london-climate-action-week-2025-event?e=a24d6c7a93